5 Easy Tricks To Curb ‘Festive Weight Gain’ During The Holiday Season

It's easy to give in to your cravings over the festive season.

Women's Health |
23 December 2018

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Your spirits are high, the bubbly is flowing, the holidays are approaching and the last thing on your mind is your diet. But there a few little tricks to ensure that you make the most of the festivities without totally undoing all of your hard work throughout the year.

1. Don’t Skip Breakfast On The Big Day

Many of us are guilty of skipping breakfast on Christmas day because we know we have a big lunch ahead. Rather try to include high-fibre carbohydrates, lean protein (like one small egg) and healthy fats (like avocado instead of butter) in your breakfast to keep you feeling fuller for longer and help you avoid snacking throughout the morning.

2. Don’t Overeat

Weight gain isn’t always caused by what you eat, but rather the extra kilojoules that you don’t burn off. If you eat out, try to share a pizza with your friend instead of eating a whole pizza yourself, order pasta with tomato and vegetables not Carbonara with cream or order a lean chicken fillet burger with no bun.

3. Think Moderation

There’s the old saying ‘everything in moderation’ that still rings true. We all overindulge during the festive season, but by keeping a food diary of what we’ve eaten over the last few days we’ll be stronger in saying no to those mince pies that keep doing the rounds on certain occasions. If you don’t have time for a food diary make a mental note!

4. Don’t Sip And Snack While You Cook

We’re all guilty of snacking and sipping away at a refreshing drink while we wait for that pot roast. Did you know that a can soda or a fruit juice is the kilojoule equivalent of a piece of fruit and a slice of toast?

Or that a full cream latte easily delivers close to 600 kilojoules? Keep that glass of water handy while you’re slaving away in the kitchen – it’s more refreshing and it will keep you hydrated and energised for the dinner party ahead.

5. Eat In If You Can

It’s tempting to eat out every other day when you’re on holiday, but if you’re enjoying a ‘staycation’ at home, there’s no excuse not to bring the party to your house and treat your friends to a home-cooked meal without the hidden kilojoules.

Looking for more tips that’ll help you prevent weight gain this festive season? Here are four smart eating strategies that’ll help you outsmart festive fat traps.